Bajrang Dal vandalises mazar in UP, but police book caretakers
Kaushambi: Tension continued in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district after members of the Bajrang Dal entered the mazar of Syed Salar Ghazi in Shahzadpur village and vandalised the premises, while police booked the shrine’s caretakers instead of the attackers, leading to anger among members of the Muslim community.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident took place in the Kokhraj police station area. Locals and mazar management members said around 25 to 30 Bajrang Dal activists entered the shrine and damaged property and assaulted caretakers and devotees.
Bajrang Dal members claimed Hindu women were being targeted for religious conversion at the shrine and accused the mazar authorities of promoting “love jihad”. Local Muslims rejected the allegations and demanded an evidence-based investigation.
Instead of acting against those accused of entering the mazar and assaulting people, police registered an FIR against four caretakers of the shrine following a complaint by Bajrang Dal member Chandan Kumar.
The complaint stated that visitors were given intoxicating water in the name of traditional healing and were encouraged to change their religion. Police said further investigation was underway.
The police action triggered strong resentment among Muslims, who questioned why those involved in damaging the mazar and assaulting people were not booked.
“Action should have been taken against those who entered the shrine and created violence. Instead, the caretakers have been made the accused. This raises serious questions about whether the investigation is being conducted fairly,” a local community member said.
Residents also asked why Bajrang Dal activists were allowed to enter a place of worship instead of approaching the administration with complaints. “If there was any wrongdoing, the police should have investigated it. No organisation has the right to enter a place of worship, damage property and attack people,” another resident said. Who should be approached for justice:Community members and Muslim organisations have demanded a neutral inquiry and said justice can only be delivered when all sides are investigated fairly.
